Trauma

Even the strongest person can be psychologically affected by trauma. Whether it is the sudden death of a loved one, suffering an assault or abuse, losing a job, being in an accident of some kind, being the victim of a crime, or any other type of ordeal, the results can have an effect on one’s mental health or emotional wellbeing.

When is it time to get help?

Symptoms of trauma will certainly affect your life and ability to carry on everyday tasks. Perhaps your friends and family say “you’re just not the same” or “I’m worried about you” – that’s an indicator that you may need some help. If you find that you cannot move past what happened, or you think you have, but are still exhibiting symptoms of trauma, or maybe you still feel “off”, it’s time to see a therapist.

Trauma treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based approach to treatment that focuses on how your thoughts, emotions and beliefs influence your behaviour and how you perceive yourself, others and the world. CBT has been shown to be effective in dealing with anxiety because it helps you to change those negative thoughts, feelings, emotions and projections on a subject matter or circumstance and help you to learn more effective ways of dealing with your anxiety. This approach uses sound techniques to slow down, halt and eliminate your own learned reactions. Ultimately, CBT deals with those circumstances and events that you’re aware of, rather than dealing with circumstances and events relating to your unconscious. Through a sound therapeutic process, you’ll learn to respond differently to issues and circumstances, and you’ll learn healthy coping mechanisms.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was originally developed to alleviate suffering of veterans who were experiencing PTSD. To date, this remarkable therapy has relieved complex symptoms in more than one million sufferers worldwide! EMDR therapy works by having the therapist moves their hand back and forth (like a windshield wiper), while you watch the therapist’s finger (like watching ping pong) while recalling the event. Through the eye movements, the painful incident and feelings are replaced with calmness, feelings of peacefulness and empowerment. It works quickly and may significantly lessen many symptoms of anxiety.

Narrative Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses narratives to help people separate themselves from their problems. Initially developed during the 1970s and 1980s, narrative therapy believes that the person isn’t the problem; the problem is the problem. Clients are encouraged to analyze and find meaning in important life events. Through questioning and collaboration, the therapist acts as an “investigative reporter” who helps the client to examine and evaluate the problem. By separating the problem from the person, distance is created, which makes it easier to investigate and assess the impacts the problem has had on a client’s life. It’s particularly helpful in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self esteem issues.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

At Insight, we treat a lot of clients who have suffered trauma, and we have many therapists with training and specialties in helping people deal with trauma. Counselling can help you deal with a recent trauma, no matter how it is affecting you. We will work with you on an individual basis to come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. You’ll learn tools and methods to help you move past the trauma, so you can feel better and get your life back.

Book an Appointment

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